In Saint-Michel, a MIDEA35 balcony installation where every available square foot had to be used intelligently
This MIDEA MIDEA35 wall-mounted heat pump installation in the Saint-Michel neighborhood of Montreal very clearly represents the constraints we encounter in urban residential areas: relatively narrow balconies, exterior brick walls, railings nearby, and limited space for properly positioning the outdoor unit.
In the photo from our job site, the Midea condenser is installed directly on a raised metal support placed on the balcony slab. The unit is located near the brick wall, while its large fan-equipped face remains oriented toward the open space of the balcony.
This arrangement is no coincidence.
When we carry out an HVAC installation in Saint-Michel, our goal is never simply to find a place where the outdoor unit will fit. We must ensure that the heat pump can circulate air properly, operate during severe cold, drain the water generated during defrost cycles, and remain accessible when maintenance or repairs are required.
In a dense environment such as Saint-Michel, these details often make all the difference between an installation that is simply compact and one that is truly functional.
Midea’s documentation presents the MIDEA35, MIDEA28, MIDEA25, and MIDEA22 series as ductless wall-mounted heat pump systems. For this project, we installed a MIDEA35, namely the premium series in this family.
Why the balcony represented the most delicate part of this installation
In a house with a large yard, we generally have several options for positioning the outdoor unit.
On a balcony Saint-Michel, the options can be much more limited.
The photo shows several elements we had to work around:
- a exterior brick wall immediately behind the equipment;
- a railing occupying the perimeter of the balcony;
- a relatively narrow passage;
- the refrigerant lines coming from the side of the building;
- the need to preserve space in front of the fan;
- the concrete surface of the balcony on which the support had to be positioned securely.
We therefore need to think in three dimensions. The available width is only one parameter. The unit’s height, the airflow direction, the space behind the condenser, and access to the service connections must also be considered.
Why we placed the outdoor unit on a support
One of the most visible elements of this installation is the raised support placed beneath the heat pump.
This choice is particularly appropriate for Montreal's climate.
In heating mode, a heat pump extracts heat from outdoors. When conditions favor frost formation on the outdoor coil, the unit periodically performs a defrost cycle. The resulting water must be able to drain away.
In winter, this water can obviously freeze.
Installing the unit directly on a balcony slab can considerably reduce the space available beneath the condenser. By raising it, we create additional drainage space and also move the unit away from some of the snow or ice that may accumulate on the surface.
This does not eliminate the need for proper water management, but it makes the installation design much easier.
On a balcony, defrosting must be considered before the first winter
This is a mistake we make a particular effort to avoid.
An installation carried out on a beautiful summer day may seem perfect. Yet we must already imagine what will happen in January, when it is cold and the unit operates for several hours a day in heating mode.
Where will the defrost water go?
Could it cause ice to accumulate?
Is there frequent foot traffic nearby?
Does the unit have enough space beneath it?
At AirGreen, we incorporate these considerations into our planning from the time of installation.
The large fan must be able to move air freely
The Midea condenser housing visible in the photo is dominated by a large circular grille. The outdoor fan is located behind it.
Air must be able to circulate without significant obstruction.
If an outdoor unit is placed facing a wall that is too close, the discharged air may be partially redirected toward the coil. This recirculation can reduce system efficiency and alter its operating conditions.
On our installation of Saint-Michel, the discharge side remains directed toward the open area of the balcony.
This orientation makes it possible to take advantage of an important benefit of modern wall-mounted heat pumps: their condenser with side discharge, whose format is much better suited to several urban configurations than bulky top-discharge equipment.
Midea specifically highlights in its documentation the compact design of its side-discharge outdoor units and their ability to be installed on a base, bracket, patio, terrace, or balcony.
The brick wall: a typical detail that influences the work
The exterior wall visible in the photo is made of brick, a very common configuration in buildings in the neighborhood Saint-Michel.
To install a ductless heat pump, we must create a path between the indoor and outdoor units for the refrigerant lines, communication cable, and condensate drain.
With a masonry envelope, the opening must be made precisely to avoid unnecessarily damaging the building.
One of the advantages of a ductless heat pump is precisely that it does not require air ducts to be built throughout the home. The Midea brochure states that the indoor unit can be connected to the outdoor unit through a relatively small opening, reducing demolition and repair work.
The refrigerant line routing is an integral part of the design
The lines visible on the right side of the outdoor unit are not merely a connection between two devices.
Their diameter, length, protection, and routing must correspond to the installed MIDEA35 configuration.
The series MIDEA35 versions, it is available in 9,000, 12,000, and 18,000 BTU/h. The piping dimensions are not identical for all capacities.
For the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h, Midea specifies lines measuring 1/4 in and 3/8 in. The configuration of 18,000 BTU/h instead uses 3/8 in and 5/8 in. The maximum lengths indicated are 82 ft, 82 ft, and 164 ft, respectively.
This is an extremely important detail when replacing an old heat pump.
We never assume that an old line set will automatically be compatible with a new system simply because it is already installed in the building.
Why we do not arbitrarily give the exact capacity of this installation
The photo clearly confirms the brand Midea and the type of condenser, but it does not allow us to read the complete model number with sufficient accuracy.
We know that the project concerns a MIDEA35, but we cannot determine with certainty from this photo whether the installed capacity is 9,000, 12,000, or 18,000 BTU/h.
We therefore prefer to present the verifiable characteristics of the series rather than inventing a capacity.
This method also reflects our approach on job sites: when we evaluate an existing unit at a customer’s Saint-Michel, we verify the model number and rating plate before drawing technical conclusions.
MIDEA35 in Saint-Michel: a heat pump designed for both winter and summer
The MIDEA35 is presented by Midea as its premium wall-mounted series for cold climates. The documentation indicates R-454B, a classification Cold Climate V6.1, heating operation down to -30 °C, efficiency of up to 33.3 SEER2 and up to 22.0 HSPF2 IV, depending on the configuration.
For an installation at Saint-Michel, winter operation is obviously a major criterion.
The three main configurations of MIDEA35
The technical sheet presents the following combinations:
| MIDEA35 configuration | Nominal cooling | Nominal heating | SEER2 | HSPF2 IV | AHRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSESU-H09B-2A + MO1SS-H09B-2A | 9,000 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h | 33,3 | 22,0 | 215471386 |
| MSESU-H12B-2A + MO1SS-H12B-2A | 12,000 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h | 29,4 | 14,5 | 215471387 |
| MSESU-H18B-2A + MO1SS-H18B-2A | 18,000 BTU/h | 20,000 BTU/h | 25,6 | 16,2 | 215471388 |
This table shows why the name “MIDEA35” alone is not enough to determine an installation's exact performance.
The selected capacity must always match the home.
How we determine the right capacity for a Saint-Michel home
A rough rule based solely on square footage is rarely sufficient.
We consider, in particular:
- the area actually served;
- insulation quality;
- the type and number of windows;
- room layout;
- ceiling height;
- sun exposure;
- the floor where the dwelling is located;
- air infiltration;
- heat losses;
- the existing heating system.
In an apartment with several small, enclosed rooms, for example, installing a higher-capacity unit does not guarantee that warm or cool air will reach each space more effectively.
The evaporator's position and natural air circulation remain essential.
At -15 °C, the available capacity becomes much more important than the simple number of BTUs indicated in the name
To evaluate a heat pump in Saint-Michel, we look in particular at how it performs when it is actually cold.
The brochure indicates that at -15 °C, while the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h MIDEA35 versions provide a nominal heating capacity of 13,500 BTU/h. The 18,000 BTU/h version is rated at 22,600 BTU/h under the same conditions.
All three configurations offer a heating operating range down to -30 °C.
This explains why a simple statement such as “this unit operates at -30 °C” is not enough to compare two heat pumps.
We must also examine the available capacity when the temperature drops.
Variable-speed technology: less on-off operation
The MIDEA35 uses variable-speed technology, allowing the compressor to adjust its operation according to the home's needs.
An older fixed-speed system tends to operate according to a simpler logic: startup, operation at a set capacity, shutdown, then restarting when the temperature moves away from the setpoint again.
Variable-speed technology allows for greater modulation.
Midea explains in its brochure that this approach helps limit temperature fluctuations and maintain more stable indoor comfort.
For an apartment in Saint-Michel, this can mean more gradual operation during long periods of heating or cooling.
Particularly precise airflow control
The MIDEA35 series also offers detailed control of the indoor fan.
The documentation mentions up to 100 air volume adjustment levels, allowing the airflow speed to be adjusted more precisely. The SmartHome app and Wi-Fi features also allow the system to be controlled remotely, depending on the configuration.
The MIDEA35 includes, among other features:
- ECO mode;
- Turbo;
- night mode;
- timer;
- child lock;
- function Me / Follow Me;
- automatic cleaning;
- silent mode;
- 8°C heating;
- horizontal swing;
- vertical swing;
- Wi-Fi control;
- smart sensor;
- humidity management;
- optional wired controller.
Quiet matters particularly in an urban environment
In a Montréal home, the indoor and outdoor units may be relatively close to living areas.
Depending on capacity, the MIDEA35 can reach as low as approximately 19 dB(A) for the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h versions, and up to 16 dB(A) for the 18,000 BTU/h version in the quietest indicated indoor setting.
Outdoors, Midea indicates sound levels of 57 dB(A) for the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h versions and 61.5 dB(A) for the 18,000 BTU/h version at the specified operating level.
On a balcony, positioning therefore becomes important not only for airflow but also for vibrations and the immediate surroundings.
The R-454B refrigerant and the A2L classification
The MIDEA35 uses R-454B.
Midea also indicates that this generation includes features related to A2L refrigerant leak detection and its dispersion system.
These technologies represent a significant evolution in the field of heat pumps.
For our technicians, this also means using the appropriate methods and tools during installation, evacuation, leak testing, and any future service work.
The electrical system must be checked before installation
The MIDEA35 units in this document operate at 208/230 V single-phase, 60 Hz.
For the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU/h versions, the documentation specifies a minimum allowable amperage of 16 A and maximum protection of 20 A. The 18,000 BTU/h version requires a minimum allowable amperage of 24.9 A, with maximum protection of 25 A.
During an installation at Saint-Michel, so we check the existing electrical system based on the exact model.
It is never sufficient to choose a circuit breaker solely according to a general rule associated with the number of BTUs.
Maintenance must be considered from the moment the location is selected
A condenser installed on a balcony must remain accessible.
Over time, leaves, dust, and other debris can accumulate on the outdoor coil. The area around the unit must therefore be accessible for inspection and cleaning.
Inside, the filters require regular maintenance.
Midea also specifies for the MIDEA35, MIDEA28, and MIDEA25 series a removable blower wheel, allowing easier access during a deep cleaning of the indoor unit.
This is an interesting feature for the system’s longevity, but it is only useful if the evaporator itself remains accessible.
What we want to avoid when installing a heat pump on a balcony in Saint-Michel
This installation allows us to summarize several important mistakes:
Placing the unit too close to an obstruction
The condenser must be able to intake and discharge air properly.
Neglecting defrost water
In Montreal, a heat pump is also a winter heating appliance. Ice must be anticipated from the outset of the installation.
Installing the condenser directly on a surface without considering snow
An elevated installation may be much better suited to certain configurations.
Choosing a heat pump solely based on price or BTUs
Two units with the same nominal capacity can have very different winter performance.
Reusing lines without confirming their compatibility
The MIDEA35 line diameters vary according to capacity.
Blocking service access
A unit must be serviceable without having to dismantle half the balcony.
Residential warranty for the range
The Midea brochure indicates, for the residential sector, a 12-year limited warranty on the compressor, 12 years on parts, and 10 years on labor, according to the conditions applicable to the warranty program and equipment registration.
We always recommend keeping the model and serial numbers, the installation invoice, and the documents associated with the warranty.
An installation specifically adapted to the reality of Saint-Michel
This installation of a MIDEA MIDEA35 wall-mounted heat pump in Saint-Michel perfectly illustrates why an installer’s work is not limited to mounting two units and connecting them.
The balcony offered limited space. The brick wall determined part of the line-set route. The railing imposed an additional constraint. The unit had to be elevated while remaining stable, and its discharge side had to retain enough space to properly move its air.
We therefore used the balcony efficiently without losing sight of the heat pump’s operation.
At AirGreen, our Saint-Michel are planned according to the actual building: indoor unit position, available outdoor location, line-set dimensions, electrical requirements, drainage, airflow, and maintenance accessibility.
A wall-mounted heat pump high-performance model like the MIDEA35 provides an excellent foundation. However, it is the quality of its installation that allows its capabilities to be properly used during Saint-Michel’s hot summers and cold winters.